Govia Thameslink Railway Gets Green Light for Digital Train Service
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has bagged official approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to run its Class 717 trains using the cutting-edge Level 2 European Train Control System (ETCS) digital signalling.
Game-Changer for London’s Rail Network
This marks a big leap for digital signalling on the Northern City Line, between Finsbury Park and Moorgate in London, and also the East Coast Main Line from London to Grantham. The move is part of the government-backed East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which aims to ditch traditional lineside signals in favour of high-tech in-cab ETCS signalling.
Once in place, the system promises a slicker, more reliable service for commuters on the Northern City Line.
Trains Ready to Roll When Track’s All Set
The Class 717 fleet, leased from Rock Rail, will start ferrying passengers as soon as Network Rail finishes upgrading the trackside ETCS systems. When that’s done later this year, GTR will train 250 Great Northern drivers to operate trains under the new digital signalling system.
The new tech runs alongside existing signals, so qualified drivers can switch between digital and traditional methods to keep sharp until the old system is fully phased out.
Experts Applaud the Rail Revolution
Consultants Taylor Airey and certifiers Aegis Certification Services helped GTR with the complex ORR submission, ensuring national safety and interoperability standards are met.
Steve Lammin, Engineering Director at GTR: “Getting the green light for Class 717s to run with ETCS is a huge landmark for us and the East Coast Digital Programme. It’s the first train authorised under this scheme. This achievement reflects months of hard graft and puts us on track for digital operations on the Northern City Line later this year.”
James Airey, Director at Taylor Airey: “We’re thrilled the Class 717 fleet has secured level 2 ETCS approval from the ORR. This milestone is huge for GTR and the wider programme. Proud to be part of this success!”
Mark McCool, CEO AEGIS Rail: “Our team is proud to support GTR impartially in reaching this key milestone for digital signalling.”
Mark Swindell, CEO Rock Rail: “Rock Rail is delighted that its Class 717 trains lead the way in entering service with advanced ETCS digital signalling. This programme is vital for boosting capacity and reliability on one of Britain’s busiest rail corridors.”
